Broadband technologies jumpstart rural economies

In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order establishing the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity “to ensure the informed exercise of regulatory authority that impacts agriculture and rural communities.” As Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue was selected to serve as the chairman of the Task Force, which includes 22 federal agencies as well as local leaders. In response to President Trump’s call to action to promote agriculture and rural prosperity in America, the Task Force envisioned a rural America with world-class resources, tools, and support to build robust, sustainable communities for generations to come. Members of the Task Force met, along with staff involved in separate working groups, to set priorities and a framework. Along the way, the Task Force held several “listening sessions” across the country and gathered recommendations through direct engagement with stakeholders, consultations with state, local, and tribal governments, as well as federal agencies with equity in rural America. Secretary Perdue even traveled to 30 states and held two RV Tours covering over 2,200 miles. Most importantly, the Task Force listened to the people of rural America.

Report with Video is HERE. Full report is posted under the Government Tab above

Bottom line message for the President:

e-Connectivity for Rural America: In today’s information-driven global economy, e-connectivity is not simply an amenity – it has become essential. E-connectivity, or electronic connectivity, is more than just connecting households, schools, and healthcare centers to each other as well as the rest of the world through high-speed internet. It is also a tool that enables increased productivity for farms, factories, forests, mining, and small businesses. E-connectivity is fundamental for economic development, innovation, advancements in technology, workforce readiness, and an improved quality of life. Reliable and a ordable high-speed internet connectivity will transform rural America as a key catalyst for prosperity.